Resident shocked by copper cable theft along Chris Hani Road

CONCERNED Redhill resident, William Collingwood is at his wit’s end after trying to report copper cable theft on the railway that runs parallel to Chris Hani Road.

Collingwood’s nursery on Delville Road, overlooks the tracks where he first noticed missing copper cables on Wednesday, 30 September.

Collingwood said about 1km of cable was stolen over the weekend (3-4 October).

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“They have stolen every bit of metal from me already. The tables in my nursery are all plastic now.”

“I don’t know how the government will be able to repair this, the cost is too high. I don’t think we will ever see a train here again unless it’s a steam train,” he said.

In addition to his concerns about the theft, Collingwood raised concerns about the danger of cable theft which can result in injury or death.

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Spokesperson for the Greenwood Park SAPS, Captain Jerome Slater said three suspects were arrested after Transnet reported cable theft from Avoca railway on 2 and 4 October.

“About 1km of cable was stolen – an estimated value of R283 000. Transnet’s investigation team reached out to informers and on the early evening of 4 October they were given information which they followed up on and subsequently made a breakthrough,” said Slater.

This led to the arrest of three suspects aged 31, 33 and 43, added Slater.

“About 37 metres of Transnet cables together with a bolt cutter and insulation gloves, which is used to remove the cables, was found in their possession. The suspects were unable to account for the possession of stolen property and were arrested and detained at Greenwood Park SAPS. They made their first appearance at Durban Magistrate’s Court on 6 October. Detectives are investigating and hoping to link them to other cases. This has hampered service delivery and affects commuters utilising the railway services. Anyone with information regarding theft of cables from essential service departments should call SAPS hotline on 10111,” concluded Slater.

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